If I were to lay any ounce of credit I have in the scouting world on the line for 2020/21, Gabe Klassen (pronounced Klaw-son) is the brand of player I am going all in on. Now… I am not prophesying a top-10 talent here but what I am saying is, if you haven’t seen Gabe play you need to make the time to do so.
Portland’s 19th overall selection in the 2018 WHL Bantam draft, Klassen spent the first portion of the 2019-20 season back with his hometown Prince Albert Mintos in the SMAAAHL before getting the call in November to head south to Portland on a regular basis.
Playing mostly fourth line minutes in Portland, Klassen managed 15 points in 30 contests at a rate of 3.1 points per 60 minutes of play in all situations.
For context:
Cross Hanas 3.16 /per 60
Gabe Klassen 3.1 /per 60
Simon Knak 2.9 /per 60
Hanas and Knack were a constant in the Hawks’ top-nine and both played on average nearly five minutes a night more than Klasssen. With exposure to one another and players such as Seth Jarvis, Reece Newkirk and Jaydon Dureau on a more regular basis, Hanas and Knak had a leg-up in terms of potential production rates but couldn’t separate themselves from Klassen. Klassen was the leader and play-driver on the fourth line and was commonly flanked by fellow rookies James Stefan and Kishaun Gervais. The positive play and growth was rewarded with some top-six time towards the end of the season.
Klasssen was able to produce at a decent clip despite seeing sheltered sub-10 minute ice time. Only Cole Sillinger, Dylan Guenther, Conner Roulette, Logan Stankoven and Mikey Milne produced at a better rate per 60 amongst 2021 first time eligibles in the WHL.
I really love the progression curve that I believe Klassen is about to take and like a fine Riesling, Klassen will only get better with age. Playing in the WHL as a true 16-year old is not easy, Klassen took that challenge and ran with it. The maturity in his game is rather advanced, he doesn’t make many typical 16-year old mistakes. There is a comfortability in Klassen’s game that must be a dream to coach. He’s disciplined and plays a team orientated 200-foot game with flashes of individual brilliance.
I was able to sit down with Gabe (socially distanced by 14,000 kms) to discuss his game that would aid in my report.
‘The Shift‘
This shift against Saskatoon in late November is one I simply can’t forget. It was the first time I said to myself that Klassen had arrived as a legitimate WHL player.
First of all, the faceoff win displays the importance of first use. Gervais does a great job of tracking down his own rebound and locking it along the boards, where Klassen is able to extract the puck from the pile and escape Saskatoon’s Chase Wouters’ pressure and get the puck back to the point to continue the cycle. Again Klassen eludes Chase Wouters’ efforts and is able to feed Nick Perna who sets up defensive partner Nick Cicek for a shot. Wouters is able to collect the whiff, but soon finds Klassen in his back pocket. As the play unfolds, Klassen is able to collect the puck and get a very clean shot on net and light the lamp.
Klassen didn’t get caught puck watching nor did he abandon the space that he was given. Both Tristen Robins and Colton Dach retreat in hope of a breakaway that never would eventuate leaving the extra number in the Hawks’ offensive zone, allowing Klassen to finish off his good work.
I asked Gabe about his ability to forecheck and to be disruptive in the offensive zone hunting pucks and this was his response:
” Naturally I want the puck. Forechecking is huge for a team to do well so I always try to work as hard as I can to retrieve pucks. Intercepting passes or picking someone’s pocket are among my favourite plays and often lead to odd man rushes and good scoring chances. I have always prided myself on being able to anticipate plays in order to create turnovers. These are skills that I have practiced lots and will continue to work on “
Here are some clips of Gabe sharking in the offensive zone, surely he has earned the nickname ‘Jaws’ by now?
Puck Retention And Awareness
Another aspect of Klassen’s game that is very likeable is his work in the corners and on the boards. He battles well for his size and shows great stickhandling ability in order to escape and find space to create or find passing seams. Klassen isn’t afraid to initiate contact either in order to separate the puck and make positive plays. Teammate recognition and awareness in these situations are very evident as strengths. Klassen takes little time to process and execute smart plays; be it powering into the slot, restarting the cycle or filtering pucks to dangerous areas, Klassen oozes confidence in his decisions.
Given his continued physical maturation, I love the fact that the mindset to be abrasive and disruptive will only be better off once he fills out his frame.
I asked Gabe: ” As you mature, I get a feeling you want to add more a power type element to your game? Would I be wrong in saying so? “
Gabe: ” No not at all, as I would definitely implement that element into my game. Being able to play in all situations is something I always work to accomplish. I am not sure I would ever be considered a power forward as I am a little undersized, but feel I can play a gritty style game along with making highly skilled plays. Overall I feel I can be a versatile player that can be used in any situation. “
Two-way Acumen
Klassen has all the tools to be a competent to really good two-way centreman at the next level. The style in which he plays is very selfless and technically sound. Klassen is often the first forward back in his own zone and uses his anticipation and skills to find ways to impact defensively. Clogging lanes, backchecking and protecting the crease are all constants shift to shift. His sound positioning allows him to be the focal point of most turnovers and exits from within the zone, crucial elements to team success.
Gabe spoke about his defensive efforts and how he how reads the game from the defensive zone. Here is that excert:
” I think that relates strongly to both my on-ice education as well as my natural instincts. I have always played a two way game and helped out as much as I can in the defensive zone. My coaches along the way, especially last year, have taught me a lot of positioning skills to be most effective. Exiting the zone is obviously one of the most important parts of the game so I try to watch how other players do it as far as where to be and recognize when to leave the zone. I think that has come more natural from understanding the game. I understand that as a centre I won’t often be leading the rush but need to work hard to be an offensive option. “
2020/21 Outlook
With some departures in Portland, Klassen has a very real shot to seize a top-six centre position for season 20/21. It will have to be earned, but the opportunity will present itself. Jack O’Brien, Tyson Kozak and Klassen all will be pushing each other for those two centre spots and all three are 2021 eligibles. Friendly competition never hurt anyone eh?
Klassen for my liking is the one I can see with the style of play needed to be a solid complimentary piece to someone like… I dunno, some kid called Seth Jarvis? Heard of him?
Klassen has the defensive responsibility to allow someone like Jarvis to loosen the shackles but he also has the skills and smarts to play to someone like Jarvis’ style and pace offensively.
Klassen’s potential isn’t contained this season, however, it might not happen right away… but Gabe Klassen is a name you should start getting acclimated with. I can GUARANTEE YOU, at some point this season, Gabe is going to fill your twitter feed doing something special.
Get on the ‘Glover-Klassen Train’ before we’re full; limited spots available.
A big thanks must go to Gabe Klassen for the time given to answer my questions and for our conversation.